Boyne investing nearly $6M in upgrades at Sunday River

NEWRY, Maine — Skiers are still on its slopes, but Sunday River has already announced the investments it’s planning for next ski season.

The ski resort on Tuesday said its parent company, Michigan-based Boyne Resorts, would invest $5.7 million in upgrades at the mountain, including more snowmaking equipment, a new 15-acre terrain park, lodging upgrades to both Grand Hotels and resort condominiums, and a renovated hotel restaurant, according to a news release.

“These enhancements are steps in turning our resort vision into a reality and are projects that would not be possible without the commitment and support of our parent company, Boyne Resorts, CNL and our homeowners,” Dana Bullen, Sunday River’s president and general manager, said in a statement.

CNL refers to CNL Lifestyle Properties, the real estate investment trust that owns Sunday River and leases it on a long-term basis to Boyne, according to Darcy Morse, a resort spokeswoman.

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Boyne has invested $35 million in capital enhancements at Sunday River since taking over its management in 2007. Past investments include the Chondola lift, night skiing, snowmaking upgrades, hotel enhancements and additional warm-weather activities to enhance the resort’s draw as a four-season destination, according to the release.

Boyne also operates Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley. Ethan Austin, a Sugarloaf spokesman, said that mountain isn’t ready to make any investment announcements.

“We have not finalized that yet, so we’re not quite ready to announce specific numbers and specific projects,” Austin said.

An announcement about investments at Sugarloaf would be made in the coming weeks, he said.